The rat Boston College is a live-action sculpture located in the middle of Boston College’s campus in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts.
And now, more closely
The rat at Boston College, known as the “Douglass Squirrel,” is an intriguing live-action sculpture that captivates students and visitors alike. Nestled in the heart of Boston College’s beautiful campus in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, this unique artwork has become an iconic symbol of the college community. Its location, expression, and significance all contribute to its appeal.
One of the most interesting aspects of the rat Boston College is its positioning on the campus. It is strategically placed in the middle of O’Neill Plaza, a bustling hub where students gather, socialize, and navigate their way to various buildings. This prime location ensures that the sculpture remains a focal point for all those passing through.
Sculpted by renowned artist Nancy Schön, the rat Boston College was inspired by the children’s book “Make Way for Ducklings” written by Robert McCloskey. The book’s characters, Mrs. Mallard and her ducklings, are also represented throughout Boston with other sculptures created by Schön. In an interview, she remarked about her sculpture at Boston College, stating, “I wanted to bring a bit of whimsy to the campus, something that students could connect with and find joy in.”
Here are some fascinating facts about the rat Boston College:
- Material: The rat is made of bronze, giving it a durable and visually striking appearance.
- Size: The sculpture stands at approximately 2 feet tall, making it easily noticeable among the surrounding landscape.
- Lifelike Details: The rat’s intricate details, such as its fur and facial expression, bring the sculpture to life and make it incredibly realistic.
- Tradition: Students consider rubbing the rat’s nose for good luck during exams or to ward off bad luck. This tradition has become part of the campus culture and a symbol of solidarity among the student body.
- Year of Installation: The rat Boston College was installed in 2012, becoming an instant hit and gaining popularity among the Boston College community.
To illustrate the details more clearly, here is a table providing an overview:
| Rat Boston College |
| Material | Bronze |
| Height | Approximately 2 feet |
| Year of Installation | 2012 |
| Significance | Symbol of joy and connection for students |
| Traditions | Rubbing the rat’s nose for good luck |
| Inspired by | “Make Way for Ducklings” by Robert McCloskey |
| Artist | Nancy Schön |
In conclusion, the rat Boston College, situated right in the middle of the campus, charms students and visitors with its whimsical presence. Crafted by Nancy Schön, the sculpture captures the imagination and embodies a sense of joy. Its material, size, and traditions associated with it contribute to the allure of this fascinating artwork. As Leonardo da Vinci once said, “Art is the queen of all sciences communicating knowledge to all the generations of the world.” The rat Boston College is a shining example of how art can engage and inspire a community in a truly exceptional way.
See the answer to “Where is the rat Boston College?” in this video
In this episode of the vlog, Stephen takes us through a typical day in his life at Boston College. He starts off with his PULSE class, followed by some work in the mailroom and lunch at Tully’s Cafe. He then heads to the SAP office, where he helps with student admissions programs and enjoys doing the New York Times crossword puzzle. Stephen shares some of his favorite BC traditions and then goes to his PULSE service placement at Nativity Prep, where he tutors and plays basketball with middle school students. The day wraps up with dinner with a friend.
Further answers can be found here
Chestnut Hill MA
The Rat Boston College Chestnut Hill MA 02467
The Rat Boston College Chestnut Hill MA 02467
More interesting questions on the topic
Located on the second floor of Corcoran Common’s, Addie’s serves fresh flatbreads, customizable salads and bowls, specialty paninis, ice cream, and more.